Rep. Kimberly Williams and Sen. Jack Walsh Honor the Office of Animal Welfare with a Tribute for 10 Years of Service

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) was recognized by the 152nd General Assembly, with House Concurrent Resolution 81 sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Williams, (D-19), and Sen. Jack Walsh, (D-9).

November 2023 marked 10 years since the OAW was established under the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). The OAW is a state office dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of companion animals, and promoting the human-animal bond.

“For 10 years now, the Office of Animal Welfare has worked to improve the quality of life for pets and people across our state and their efforts deserve recognition,” said Rep. Kim Williams. “Through their collaboration with local animal shelters, rescues, and the veterinary community, they have not only made Delaware a more humane and compassionate place, but have also played a pivotal role in making our state the first no-kill animal shelter state. As we celebrate their remarkable 10 years of service, let us also embrace the important message of ‘adopt, don’t shop’ when looking for a new four-legged friend.”

In 2012, a State Animal Welfare Taskforce of policymakers, veterinarians, shelter directors and others with expertise in animal welfare was assembled to analyze issues concerning companion animals and to make recommendations for improvement. The 147th Delaware General Assembly established the OAW from the recommendations of this taskforce in late 2013, as it was clear there was a need for a state office dedicated to addressing these issues. Today, the public has one centralized office to manage and coordinate programs and services for pets, which greatly reduces the confusion for residents and fragmentation of services that existed previously.

“Over the last decade, the Office of Animal Welfare has played a vital role in promoting safer and healthier communities by carrying out their mission to protect the welfare of the dogs, cats and other furry companions that are a part of so many of our families,” said Sen. Jack Walsh, the Senate prime sponsor of HCR 81. “I am proud to recognize the OAW’s tireless dedication, and even prouder of the work that OAW and the General Assembly have done, and will continue to do, to protect the welfare of animals throughout Delaware.”

In recent years, the office has created many programs and resources to promote the safety and wellbeing of Delawareans and their companion animals. Among these accomplishments are:

“Celebrating 10 years of the Office of Animal Welfare is a significant milestone that is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and community partners, as well as the support of the public,” said OAW Director Christina Motoyoshi. “This tribute provides an opportunity to recognize those that worked to create the Office and reflect on the impact made as a result to reduce animal homelessness and suffering, elevate professionalism and make our community safer for people and pets. We look forward to continued progress and serving as a vital resource for Delawareans for years to come.”

For more information about OAW, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/oaw/oawhome.html. To report animal cruelty or a dog control issue, call 302-255-4646.


DPH’s Office of Animal Welfare Announces 2 Arrests in Connection with Lewes Dog Cruelty Case; 14 More Dogs Rescued 

Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the enforcement unit within the Office of Animal Welfare, announces the arrest of a man and a woman involved in an animal cruelty case. 

On Aug. 25, 2023, Delaware State Police (DSP) Troop 7 received a tip from a concerned citizen that Dillon Hensey, age 32, and his wife, Chelsie Puckett, age 33, were seen in the parking lot of 19791 Coastal Hwy Rehoboth Beach, Del. DSP responded to the area and located Hensey and Puckett parked in their SUV. Delaware Animal Services responded to assist with the arrest. Upon arrival, animal welfare officers found 14 more dogs living in the couple’s SUV. The vehicle was full of trash, feces and debris. The 14 dogs were seized by animal welfare officers and transported to Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) for care. 

Hensey was taken into custody for the outstanding animal cruelty charges, while Puckett was taken into custody on unrelated charges. Both were arraigned at Troop 7 on August 25. The couple is prohibited from owning or possessing animals pending outcome of the case. 

  • Hensey has been charged with 29 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and was released on $14,500 unsecured bond. 

  • Puckett was charged with 14 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and was released on $7,000 unsecured bond.   

Hensey was wanted for abandoning 34 small breed dogs in deplorable conditions in a Lewes home in early August. He failed to turn himself in to DAS enforcement officers on multiple occasions.  

The 34 dogs that were seized on Aug. 8 were turned over to BVSPCA’s care. Thirty of the 34 dogs have been adopted and are now in loving homes, and four are in foster care. BVSPCA hopes to make some of the 14 dogs seized last week available for adoption as soon as Wednesday. 

The Office of Animal Welfare thanks the public for their tips as well as Delaware State Police for their cooperation with locating the suspects in this case.  

 

Animal Cruelty Complaints  

Cruelty and neglect of animals is against the law (delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c030f/index.html). If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact OAW’s Delaware Animal Services section immediately at 302-255-4646 or report online at animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25. 


Felton Couple Charged with Animal Fighting

Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the enforcement unit within the Office of Animal Welfare, announces the arrest of a man and woman involved in a cockfighting incident in May.

Billy Keen, age 51, and Andrea Keen, age 43, of Felton were arraigned August 18, 2023.  The husband and wife were each charged with one felony count of possessing an animal for the purpose of fighting. Andrea was additionally charged with a one felony count of being present for animal fighting. Both were released on their own recognizance.

On May 6, DAS received a report of a cockfight occurring at a farm located in the 3000 Block of Sandtown Road in Felton. When an animal welfare officer arrived, the officer found an active cockfight taking place with a crowd of people in attendance. Attendees quickly fled the scene.

Subsequently, DAS obtained a search warrant for the property. The investigation revealed that Andrea and Billy Keen, who own the farm, host illegal cockfighting events on the property.

Animal fighting is a cruel blood sport in which roosters bred for aggression are placed in a pit to fight for entertainment and gambling, often until one or both birds die.  Animal fighting is often linked to other crimes such as weapons, drugs and human violence.  It is illegal in all 50 states, and a felony crime in Delaware.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646. All tips may remain confidential.


Delaware Animal Services Seeks Tips for Cockfighting Incident in Felton

The Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Services (DAS) is seeking the public’s help in providing any information regarding an illegal cockfighting ring in Felton.  

On Saturday, May 5, 2023, DAS responded to a report of cockfighting in progress in the 3000 Block of Sandtown Road, Felton. Upon arrival, an animal welfare officer found the fight in progress, with approximately 50 people on scene including children. The people fled the scene and only a few could be positively identified, including the property owners.  

Animal fighting is a cruel blood sport in which roosters bred for aggression are placed in a pit to fight for entertainment and gambling, often until one or both birds die. Animal fighting is often linked to other crimes such as weapons, drugs and human violence. It is illegal in all 50 states, and a felony crime in Delaware. 

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646 or online at animalservices.delaware.gov. Tips may be made anonymously.  


Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, Delaware State Police Rescue 14 Dogs; 5 Residents Face Felony Dog Fighting Charges

DOVER, DE (Jan. 11, 2023) –   The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) and the Delaware State Police (DSP) responded to a complaint of suspicious activity at a Seaford residence over the weekend resulting in charges related to dog fighting and the rescue of 14 dogs. One dog died from the injuries sustained from the alleged dog fighting activities. There are five (5) dogs that remain in serious condition, and another eight (8) dogs that are being cared for by Brandywine Valley SPCA.
 

On Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m., DSP responded to a report of suspicious activity around the 26000 block of Lonesome Road in Seaford. DSP conducted an investigation and discovered multiple people at the property actively engaged in dog fighting. DSP took five individuals into custody at the scene. Following the observation of animal fighting, OAW obtained a search and seizure warrant for the property units and took custody of the 14 dogs that were found at the residence.

 The defendants are: 

  1. Samuel Foreman, age 44, of Whaleyville, MD
  2. Timothy Whaley, age 44, of Salisbury, MD  
  3. Bryon Briddell, age 35, of Berlin, MD  
  4. Kevin Land, age 47 of Salisbury, MD or Seaford, DE
  5. Glenn White, age 36 of Salisbury, MD or Wilmington, DE
     

 

OAW charged all defendants with one count each of

  1. Title 11 – 1326 (000A) FELONY 
    1. Own, possess, keep, or use of animal for fighting 
  1. Title 11 – 1326 (000B) FELONY 
    1.  Present at a building/shed /room/yard for animal fight 
  1. Title 11-1325 (00B4) FELONY 
    1.  Cruelly or unnecessary kills or injures any animal 

 

Each of the defendants face the possibility of up to 3 years in prison for animal cruelty which is a Class F felony, and up to a 5-year sentence for animal fighting which is a Class E felony. The defendants posted bail on an $18,000 secured bond from Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI). Part of the bail conditions stipulate that the defendants they have no contact, possession, or ownership of any animals. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case should contact OAW at 302-255-4646. 

 

Animal Cruelty Complaints 

Cruelty and neglect of animals is against the law (delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c030f/index.html). If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact OAW’s Delaware Animal Services section immediately at 302-255-4646 or report online at animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25. 

 

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 
   

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.